When Nagoya castle was built in 1612, it was one of the largest castles in the country – home to the Owari Tokugawa clan. Though much of it was destroyed in WWII, it has since been rebuilt and is still considered one of Japan’s most prominent castles today. During the summer, Nagoya Castle hosts the Summer Night Festival, when the grounds are lit up by a dazzling lantern display and traditional dances are performed to honour Japanese ancestors.

With a history said to span almost 2,000 years, the Atstuta Shrine is the oldest landmark in Nagoya. It houses one of the three sacred treasures of Japan: a legendary sacred sword known as Kusanagi no Tsurugi (Grass-cutting sword), and has been one of the greatest places of worship for Japan’s native religion, Shinto, since ancient times. Also enshrined here are the "Five Great Gods of Atsuta", all of whom are connected to the legendary narratives of the sacred sword.

Nagoya is a city not only steeped in history, but world-leading technology, too –best uncovered at its many museums. Learn about the Samurai at the Tokugawa Art Museum, which houses more than 10,000 pieces of Samurai armour, swords, scrolls and more. For a more futuristic experience, the Nagoya Science Museum is home to the biggest planetarium in the world, and for engineering enthusiasts, the Toyota Exhibition Hall displays some of the most cutting-edge technology being currently worked on.

No Nagoya holiday would be complete without visiting one of the city’s ancient temples. The striking red Buddhist temple of Ōsu Kannon, which sits at the entrance to a bustling shopping district, offers a sense of calm as you pass through its gates. Though much of the original temple was destroyed by fire, the focal point of worship miraculously survived the flames: a wooden statue of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Be sure to pay a visit to Toganji Temple, too, which boasts an impressive 15m-high green statue of a seated Buddha.

One of the most popular places to visit in Nagoya is the shopping district of Osu Kannon. The area is over 400 years old and is home to around 1,200 shops, ranging fromas traditional Japanese crafts and restaurants to vintage clothing stores and cosplay shops (the city holds the annual World Cosplay Summit!). Looking for something a little more modern? The stylish Global Gate shopping mall is dotted with open-air courtyards, green spaces, and trees, making for a unique shopping experience.

When you need a break from the city, enjoy a breath of fresh air at Nagoya’s traditional gardens. Shirotori Garden is the biggest traditional Japanese garden in Nagoya, located within Shirotori Park. Admire the Koi carp swimming in the park’s waters, which are surrounded by green hills, bamboo forests, waterfalls and more. Another Japanese garden with a pond at its centre is Tokugawaen, where visitors can enjoy beautiful greenery, vibrant colours and flowers such as irises and peonies in every season.

Though Nagoya is not known for its food scene, it still has a wide range of local delicacies to try. Thanks to the region’s miso production, Miso Katsu is the city’s speciality: deep-fried panko-crumbed tonkatsu pork cutlets doused with a red aka-miso sauce, served on a bed of rice and sliced cabbage. Nagoya is also Japan’s largest producer of freshwater eel, making hitsumbushi (grilled eel slathered in a thick, sweet soy sauce) a must-try when visiting. Finally, be sure to try Nagoya’s own regional version of mochi: uiro – a traditional Japanese steamed cake.

Once you’ve ticked off the top Nagoya attractions, it’s time to enjoy some favourite Japanese activities. Catch a sumo wrestling honbasho (tournament) at the Dolphins Arena, next to the Nagoya castle, or for those who prefer something a little more relaxing, unwind in one of Nagoya’s many Onsens. Nagoya also hosts the annual World Cosplay Summit in August, drawing cosplayers from all over the world who dress in extravagant Japanese pop culture costumes.

Just a two-hour drive to the north of Nagoya lies Shirakawago. This serene destination, known for its charming traditional houses and surrounding breathtaking landscape, is a Unesco World Heritage Site unlike any other in Japan – to visit here is to take a trip back in time. Alternatively, a quick 30-minute bullet train ride to the east of Nagoya lies the former Japanese capital: Kyoto. Considered the cultural capital of Japan, this city is filled with beautiful temples, gardens and palaces – and is considered the beating heart of Japan’s geisha culture.